Three candidates are campaigning for Tomball ISD board of trustees Position 1 in the upcoming Nov. 8 election as incumbent and Board President Kathy Handler did not file for re-election. Candidates include former Tomball Rotary Club President Jim Engelke, professor Joseph Ferguson and stay-at-home mom Tina Salem.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com. For more information about voting in Montgomery County, visit www.elections.mctx.org.
Joseph Ferguson
Experience:
24 combined years service in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve Components and Texas State Guard; education experience as substitute teacher, classroom teacher, assistant principal and professor
Occupation:
professor of education, Lone Star College System
Candidate Website:
http://www.votejoseph.com/
Why are you running for election?
I recently retired from the Texas State Guard, and I want to focus both my time and my extensive knowledge of the education field to serve my hometown. I believe that the board should have at least one experienced professional educator to provide the insight that only a teacher can.
What will your top two priorities be if elected?
First priority is to ensure our public schools are focused on education and not indoctrination. Second priority is the need for the maximum amount of transparency allowed by law. Elected officials and public employees answer to the people, not the other way around. Transparency leads to both accountability and trust.
As a growing district, what challenges do you believe Tomball ISD faces, and how will you help address those challenges?
The top challenge is competing with neighboring districts to attract and retain the highest quality teachers possible. Having the most qualified and dedicated professionals working with our children should be the bedrock of our growing district. Showing teachers the respect they deserve will go a long way to accomplish this.
Projects are beginning from TISD’s 2021 bond. How will you approach overseeing these projects and spending bond dollars?
Trustees must safeguard the hard-earned tax dollars paid to the district. Those funds are not a discretionary expense account; that money belongs to our neighbors. Trustees must ensure that we get what we paid for and on schedule. Trustees should not delegate this responsibility, but personally ensure it happens.
What steps will you take to further communication between TISD and residents?
I will advocate for loosening the requirements for citizens to make public comments at board meetings. The current requirements could possibly make it difficult for working families to sign up to speak. Also, anything required by law to be publicly posted should not be limited to just the district webpage.
Tina Salem
Experience:
parent teacher organization member and former board member; 2017 TISD Bond Committee; involvement in various TISD committees and organizations for 20 years; city of Tomball commissioner
Occupation:
stay-at-home wife and mother
Candidate Website:
https://www.tinasalemfortisd.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
Why are you running for election?
I am running because I am passionate about Tomball schools. I want our students and staff to have the best experience possible. The future of our community is reflected by our children.
What will your top two priorities be if elected?
A: improving two-way communication; B: overall transparency
As a growing district, what challenges do you believe TISD faces, and how will you help address those challenges?
Growing as a district is a great goal; however, when we grow too fast, we risk the quality of our education and the values we hold dear. We will have to focus on communicating well with our staff by sharing the vision and clear expectations.
Projects are beginning from TISD's 2021 bond. How will you approach overseeing these projects and spending bond dollars?
First, I would like to review the bond, the selected projects per the people’s vote and confirm a balanced budget with our chief financial officer. Then, I would like to review the top three proposals of each project and any signed contracts executed by the superintendent.
What steps will you take to further communication between TISD and residents?
I would like to serve in the schools and be accessible at events in TISD, so parents know who I am and will be more comfortable sharing concerns and successes. We, as a board, need to build relationships with the community so that people trust us.
Jim Engelke
Experience:
master's degree in education administration & policy; certified professional community and economic developer; higher education administration and executive management roles; Tomball Rotary Club past president; chamber committees
Occupation:
director, enterprise support & implementation services, StoneEagle
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/JimEngelkeforTISDBoard
Why are you running for election?
I am concerned about the future of our district, which has come under threat from politically motivated challenges. We have a robust and high-performing district that leads the region and is recognized as one of the best in Texas. I want to keep it that way.
What will your top two priorities be if elected?
I will focus on protecting our students from threats to safety and political activism, and I will seek ways to further our district’s investment in [career and technology education], and programs that allow youth to develop character and responsibility while better preparing them for the challenges of adult life.
As a growing district, what challenges do you believe TISD faces, and how will you help address those challenges?
Schools are facing a potentially catastrophic shortage of educators over the next few years; TISD is not immune to this. However, we’re regarded as a beacon that attracts families who want their children to receive a better education and educators seeking a better career. I’ll work to maintain this advantage.
Projects are beginning from TISD's 2021 bond. How will you approach overseeing these projects and spending bond dollars?
TISD’s investment in schools has been significant and meaningful, and part of a carefully conceived long-range plan of which I was a part as a private citizen. As a taxpayer, and someone who has had advanced public budgeting experience, I’ll work to protect taxpayers while maximizing opportunities for our children.
What steps will you take to further communication between TISD and residents?
One of the critical roles a board fulfills is serving as a bridge between community and the district. I believe transparency and open communication are both crucial to maintaining partnerships. One way I’ll keep partners informed is through my continued active participation with organizations like the [Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce] and Tomball Rotary.
